If you’re a remote worker, flaneur or digital nomad visiting Panama City, then you know the struggle of trying to find the perfect cafe. It can be tricky finding that just-right spot with a strong Wi-Fi signal, delicious coffee, and comfortable seating – but it’s crucial if you want to work productively while experiencing all this bustling city has to offer!
Fortunately, we’ve done all the hard work for you and rounded up the best cafes in Panama City. From sunny open-air patios perched on multi-story rooftops overlooking stunning cityscapes to small shops nestled away in alleyways that barely anyone else knows about, this list covers them all.
So if you’re looking for an inspiring workspace to get creative or someplace cozy and inviting where won’t distract your workflow, read on!
The Criteria: What Makes a Good Cafe in Panama City?
As slow traveling entrepreneurs, we spend at least 9 hours per day (and often much longer) on our laptops even while abroad, and so are always on the lookout for great coffee shops to mix up work environments.
For these reviews, we took into consideration the following criteria:
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
- Comfortable seating and tables suitable for working
- Outlets available for charging devices
- A unique environment with a pleasant ambience
- Natural lighting
- Good coffee
Wi-Fi Score
Wi-Fi speeds were measured in each location and given a score according to this criteria:
- 1 = Unworkable (< 1 Mbps upload/download)
- 2 = Slow (< 4 Mbps upload/download)
- 3 = Mediocre (5-10 Mbps upload/download)
- 4 = Good (10-20 Mbps upload/download)
- 5 = Fast (> 20 Mbps upload/download)
Note: All scores and ratings in this article are relative to other cafes in the city, not worldwide.
Best Cafes in Panama for Working
If you’re on the hunt for a great cafe in Panama City to work from, relying solely on Tripadvisor’s ratings won’t cut it. Don’t get me wrong, they’re helpful, but most of those ratings are based on the quality of food, drinks, and service — not on the needs of digital nomads or remote workers like us.
We have spent more than 6 months in city over the past year and half, and discovered that a lot of the top-rated spots were either temporarily or permanently closed due to the pandemic. A bummer, we know.
So, we decided to put together a list of the best cafes in Panama City that are ideal for remote workers like us. If we needed an updated resource, I bet other remote workers do too, right?
Without further ado, here are out top picks for the best cafes to work from in Panama City. Check them out and let us know what you think!
Sisu Coffee Studio
Sisu Coffee Studio in Panama City is an excellent place for remote workers to enjoy a relaxing cup of pour-over coffee in a cozy atmosphere. The cafe is known for its friendly English-speaking employees who make it easy to ask questions and place orders. The geisha coffee is a must-try for coffee enthusiasts!
The cafe has a peaceful vibe that makes it a perfect place for working. The architecture and design of the cafe are stunning, and the minimalistic vibe of the place is noticeable from the design to their menu. While not the cheapest place, the coffee and service are excellent. The cafe also offers plant-based milk alternatives.
Due to its popularity, it can get a bit noisy during peak hours hours and weekends, but this is not unusual in Panama. But if you go in the morning, you’re good to go! Even with that, Sisu is one of the best cafes in Panama, and its superb coffee, service, and beautiful ambiance make it an excellent choice for remote workers.
Google Rating: 4.4
Address: Calle 9na Y, Av. B, Panama City
@Work Café Panamá
The @Work Café is a hidden gem for remote workers in Panama City. The location is central, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating.
The Wi-Fi is lightning fast and reliable, making it easy to stay connected and productive plus the menu offers a variety of tasty snacks and beverages to keep you fueled throughout the day. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the overall vibe of the place is conducive to getting work done — right down to the monitor setups and podcasting room! The owner is a super nice guy, and even lent us an adaptor so we could connect.
The only downside is that it’s small and the seating can be limited during peak hours, so it’s best to arrive early to snag a spot. Overall, this cafe is a must-visit for any remote worker in Panama City looking for a comfortable and productive workspace.
Google Rating: 4.0
Address: Calle Punta Colon, PH TOC, Local S30, Punta Pacífica, Panama City (inside the JW Marriott hotel)
Nomada Eatery
Nomada Eatery is easily one of the best cafes in Panama City for nomads and remote workers. Hey, it’s even named after us! This cafe is a gem for those looking for a cozy and inviting place to work. From the eclectic decor to the amazing coffee, this spot is sure to inspire your creativity.
The menu is diverse and offers plenty of healthy options to keep you fueled throughout the day. And if you need a break from work, you can enjoy some people-watching while sipping on one of their delicious smoothies.
The atmosphere is both trendy and laid-back, making it the perfect place to get some work done or to catch up with friends. So if you’re looking for a unique and inspiring cafe to work from, make sure to check out Nomada Eatery.
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5
Address: Calle 9na 3-28 Casco Viejo San Felipe, Panama City
Mentiritas Blancas
Mentiritas Blancas is a cozy and trendy cafe in Panama City that has become a favorite among remote workers. The bright and colorful decor, combined with comfortable seating and great lighting, make it a perfect spot to settle in and get some work done.
The cafe serves up delicious coffee and baked goods, with several vegetarian and vegan options available. We particularly appreciated the friendly and helpful staff who go out of their way to make their customers feel welcome.
Overall, Mentiritas Blancas is a top choice for remote workers seeking a creative and comfortable workspace in Panama City.
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5
Address: Calle Gaspar O. Hernandez Local 2B, Edificio DeMar, Via Argentina, Panama City
Café Unido
Café Unido is a cozy and stylish cafe in Panama City that has been recognized as one of the best spots for remote workers. The cafe features large communal tables and plenty of seating options, as well as a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The delicious coffee will have you raving, and is made from high-quality, locally-sourced beans.
In addition to coffee, the menu offers a variety of light bites, pastries, and sandwiches. We found the service friendly and attentive, making it a great place to settle in for a productive workday. Overall, Cafe Unido is a must-visit for any remote worker in Panama City looking for a comfortable and convenient workspace with great coffee and food.
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5
Address: C. 9a Oeste, Panama City
Other Locations:
- Edificio Alejandra, Vía Argentina, Panama City
- P.H. Le Mare, Planta Baja, C. 79 Este, Panama City
- Edificio Bern, Av. Enmanuel Benavides, Panama City
Cafein
Cafein is a top pick for remote workers looking for a delicious meal and a good working environment. The coffee is a standout, and has a rich flavor. The atmosphere is comfortable and quiet, making it a great spot to focus and get work done. While working for the day, we found the customer service excellent and the staff to be very welcoming, making it clear that remote workers are appreciated and encouraged to make Cafein their go-to workspace. It’s a great choice for remote workers looking to get some work done while enjoying tasty food and coffee in a welcoming environment.
Google Rating: 4.6
Address: C. 43 Este, Panama City (inside the Rey Supermarket on the second level)
Other Locations:
- C.C Bal Harbour Paitilla, San Francisco, Local M 36, Panama City
Leto Coffee Brew Bar
Leto Coffee Brew Bar is a cozy spot that offers a great atmosphere with friendly staff, excellent coffee, and tasty pastries.
The cafe features comfortable seating options with plenty of natural light, making it a great place to set up shop for the day. There are ample electrical outlets, which is always nice, but the Wi-Fi was slower than others in the city (but perhaps it was a bad day)!
Leto Coffee Brew Bar also offers outdoor seating, providing a change of scenery and fresh air for those looking to switch things up.
Overall, Leto Coffee Brew Bar provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for remote workers to be productive while enjoying quality coffee and treats. Check it it if you’re not on video calls or doing anything too bandwith-heavy!
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5
Address: Calle 76 Este, Plaza 76, Panama City
Other Locations:
- Av. Costa Del Mar, Panama City
Benissimo Gelato & Caffe
Benissimo Gelato & Caffe is a charming cafe located in Panama City and perfect for remote workers looking for a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The decor is bright and cheerful, with comfortable seating areas and natural light if working near the windows.
The gelato is a standout, with a wide variety of flavors that change regularly. The coffee is also quite good! The staff are friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for working. Overall, Benissimo Gelato Caffe is not a bad choice for anyone looking for a sweet treat or a place to work in a comfortable and inviting environment in the old city.
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5
Address: Corner of Avenida A and Calle 4, Casco Viejo, Panama City
Casa Sucre Coffeehouse
Casa Sucre Coffeehouse is a charming cafe that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for remote workers. The cafe’s rustic decor, with exposed brick walls and wooden tables, adds to the cozy ambience.
Casa Sucre’s Wi-Fi is reliable and the menu features a wide variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices, as well as delicious pastries and light bites. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making sure customers have everything they need to work comfortably. If you’re there when it’s not busy, it can certainly be a warm and inviting space to get work done. But with the other options nearby, it’s not our top choice in Casco Viejo.
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5
Address: Calle 8 y Ave B, Casco Viejo, Panama City
Other Cafes and Working Spots in Panama City
Lumaca
Lumaca Souvenir Coffee & Tea offers a variety of drinks and a cozy atmosphere. However, there is a lack of food options and slow service, making it less ideal for remote workers compared to other cafes in Panama City. But if you can get a spot to sit, it’s not a bad option!
Address: Avenida A PH Portal de Caldas, Casco Viejo, Panama City
Paddle Coffee Roasters
Paddle Coffee Roasters is a decent pick for remote workers looking for a quick caffeine fix. They offer high-quality coffee and some light bites, but the small seating area might not be the best for extended work sessions.
Address: Calle 65 O C.C. 507 Business Plaza, Panama City
Selina Coworking
Selina coworking in Panama City offers a vibrant and creative workspace with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and an inspiring community of like-minded individuals for only $10 a day. It also features a rooftop terrace and is in a convenient location in Casco Viejo. If you’re looking to network, it’s a great option.
Address: Plazoleta Regocijo #203, 08003
Permanently Closed Cafes in Panama City
The following are cafes in Cusco that have good reviews but are now permanently closed:
- Caffe Per Due
- Bajareque Coffee House (now Sisu Coffee Studio)
Parting Words
With so much to explore in the old city of Panama, it’s hard to make a wrong choice when it comes to selecting a cafe. But if you’re looking for the best cafes in Panama City for digital nomads, these venues will provide you with great coffee, connectivity and vibes so you can sip an espresso on your laptop enjoying views of nature or people-watchin
With cafe culture taking over modern life around the world, the trend is just now becoming part of the Panamanian landscape. And knowing which cafes offer the best experiences can help digital nomads appreciate their extended stays here even more.
So why not start planning your visit today and let us know how it goes? Leave a comment and tell us what your favorite cafe in Panama was!
Originally Published: March 15, 2023
✍️ Panama City, Panama
P.S. If you liked this article, you might also enjoy our other recommendations for the region:
